[420 Girl]

WA - Sensible Washington, the group supporting Initiative 1068, is running a signature gathering campaign of the Facebook age. The Public Disclosure Commission reports they have only raised $1300 so far. While they are probably behind in reporting, they do not seem to be raising much money.

Their Facebook page reports 4,700 fans which is more than most politicians. Their website reports volunteer meetings around the state on a pretty frequent basis. For example, this weekend they are encouraging volunteer signature gatherers to come to the Seattle Vegfest to collect signatures.

Most successful initiatives employ paid signature gatherers. Sensible Washington has no money, but is pressing forward to qualify for the ballot. They report they have collected 20% of the required signatures so far and they have until July 1 to collect the remainder. Most signatures are collected outside, so the poor weather this spring has made it difficult to collect signatures. The group is hoping the weather improves and makes it easier to collect signatures for the remainder of the time.

They still have a long ways to go, but there seems to be some positive momentum. In California, an initiative to legalize, tax and control marijuana has already qualified for the ballot. Oregon has a similar effort starting up, but it does not seem as far along in collecting signatures as the Washington group.

Sensible Washington is trying to do something which few have accomplished: qualify an initiative for the Washington ballot without paid signature gatherers. They are using Facebook and other internet tools to organize. It promises to be a long, difficult process, but they having success in bringing in signatures.


http://www.420magazine.com/forums/in...ve-1068-a.html